Five clean getaways in Manchester car wash burglaries

Over the past month, five car washes have been hit by burglars, according to police. One car wash was visited twice in a matter of hours. Two burglaries involved the removal of a change machine, one estimated to hold $1,000 in quarters.

Police said they’ve heard reports that car washes in Hooksett, Raymond and Contoocook have been struck as well.

The most recent break-in involved the Manchester Auto Wash at 47 Elm St. Police said the rear door to the business had apparently been kicked in overnight Monday. The burglar removed coins from the cash register, as well as at least 50 shiny tokens bearing the image of a vacuum.

Armor All cleaning pads and Yankee Candle air fresheners were also stolen.

On July 4, burglars twice visited the Circle T Car Wash at 2170 Candia Road, police said. Video surveillance shows two burglars arrived at the car wash around 3 a.m. and then returned an hour later, police said.

They parked next door at Zoey’s Pizza and forcibly entered a shed, where they stole the change machine with $1,000 in quarters.

On June 11, the Circle T shed was also broken into and the change machine stolen. Video capturing that crime showed a lone white man driving a dark-colored sedan into the lot. On June 14, burglars tried to access the change machine at the Second Street Car Wash, 763 Second St. A computer was stolen.

The same day, burglars tried to break into Kerner’s Car Wash, which is across the street from Second Street Car Wash, police said. Video surveillance captured an image of two men unsuccessfully attempting to pry open a door.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Manchester Police Department at 668-8711.